India’s most loved car the Alto has reached a unique milestone, this small car from Maruti Suzuki has crossed sales of 35 lakh sales in cumulative wholesales since launch.
The Alto was launched 14 years back in 2000 and since its launch has sold extremely well. Alto has been the preferred choice for first time family car buyers due to its simplicity, affordability and high fuel efficiency. Maruti Suzuki has consistently introduced new design as well technology upgrades in the Alto for aspirational customers.
The Alto currently come with features such as power steering, front power windows, integrated stereo, internally adjustable ORVMs etc. The Alto comes in two engine options, 800 cc and K10 and also has a CNG fuel variant on the lineup. The Alto got the AMT Automatic variant in 2014 and currently 18 % of the Alto K10 sales come from the AGS (automatic) variants.
Commenting on the success of Alto, Mr. R S Kalsi, Senior Executive Director (Marketing & Sales), Maruti Suzuki said,“Brand Alto continues to remain fresh, relevant and as exciting as it was in 2000. Since 2006, every two years, Alto is adding 5 lakh new happy customers. In 2008, we clocked 10 lakh units. In 2010, it touched 15 lakh units and today in 2018, we have crossed 35 lakhs of cumulative sales. Maruti Suzuki has systematically upgraded the Alto to meet the ever evolving customer aspirations and strengthen the brand Alto. In 2017-18, nearly 55 per cent of customers have selected Alto as their first car purchase in 2017-18. Interestingly, 25 per cent of Alto buyers are buying it as an additional car.”
Brand Alto has clocked a growth rate of 6 % in 2017-18. At the same time, it has garnered a market share of 33 % in 2017-18 in its segment. Customers, especially at the entry-level, see Alto as a win-win package of style and affordability. Nearly 44 %of Alto sales contribution comes from young customers less than 35 years of age. This contribution has grown by 4 % in the past three years. Needless to say that Maruti Suzuki has its unmatched nationwide service network and lower maintenance cost, brand Alto is a natural choice of the customers across India. Maruti Suzuki also offers driver airbag as an option from base variant onwards for Alto customers.